Tax Scams Across the Nation Part Three: Have You Seen My Tax Refund?

Identity-theft tax refund fraud occurs when someone uses your stolen Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and then files a tax return on your behalf claiming a fraudulent refund.

In 2015, IRS teamed up with several software companies, tax preparation firms, payroll and tax financial product processors and state tax administrators to fight identity-theft refund fraud and protect the nation's taxpayers. See here for more on that: "Taxes.Security.Together."

Security Reminders for Taxpayers

Some steps to guard from identity theft include:

Always use security software with firewall and anti-virus protections. Make sure the security software is always turned on and can automatically update. Encrypt sensitive files such as tax records stored on computers and devices. Use strong passwords.

About the Author | John MascaroJohn is adept in helping companies develop and execute complex domestic and international tax strategies. He has served some of the world’s largest companies in varied industries, including IBM, Schlumberger, Siemens; and later specialized in the entertainment and media industry serving such notables as Viacom, Blockbuster Entertainment, MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, SONY Pictures, SONY Music, Newsweek Magazine, McCann Erickson Advertising, Gruner & Jahr Publishing, Reuters and numerous entertainment and media celebrities.